One Pastor's Perspective

Apparently my minister’s robe did too good of a job hiding my cast and brace. So, here is a little update on where things are:

My right arm is still in the brace. The therapists have opened the brace up a good bit, but I am still wearing it. And still not sleeping much because of it. I am able to do everything they ask in therapy without pain, so that’s got to be a good thing … Right?

My left arm is still in the same cast. No changes. We will know more when I start therapy on it and I have no idea when that will be!

It was probably dumb to preach outside of the sling. My arm reminded me of that this afternoon.

Once again, I covet your prayers for my left elbow. It is a big variable in this recovery.

Yesterday meant more to me than most of you will ever know!!! Because NOT being at EBC on Sundays STINKS! I’m thankful the doc loosened my leash a little, and I understand why he has it so tight too!

When we got home yesterday, my left arm had swollen in the cast. The only cure for that is sitting still and resting it on a pillow. So that is what I did. But even that was sooo worth being at EBC!!

The only thing I didn’t like about yesterday was my inability to shake hands. Of course, when you realize it would be with 500 people across both services, it makes sense not to for the next couple of weeks. That will come when the time is right!

One more thing: I was so overwhelmed with it all, I forgot to say a word about how thankful we are for all the prayers, the cards, and the meals!!! And we are!! A little known fact about us is that Diana is the better cook, but I actually cook supper most of the time! With all she has on her plate, this has really helped! And we are grateful!!!

Last night I started thinking too much about some things. No point in going into detail, but let’s just say it was a real downer. The icing on the cake was the thought that I will never dribble a basketball again with my left hand.

Ok, some of you think that is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever written … And that is really saying something, because I’ve written some real odd things on this blog. But hear me out on this.

My old friends know exactly what this means. Because there was a time when I ate, drank, slept, LIVED basketball. And that would be a depressing thought.

So, I’ve decided not to accept that. Write it down, I WILL dribble a basketball again. It’s now one of my goals!!! No matter how bleak this left elbow situation looks, it will happen! Again, WRITE IT DOWN!

As this week draws to a close, several items pop up on my radar:

Therapy is going well. We started the right arm on Wednesday and there has yet to be anything they’ve asked that I couldn’t do. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I can’t straighten it out to 0 degrees yet. Right now, 30 degrees is the best I can do. But we are working on that!

I got to work a half day yesterday. I cannot drive and the doctor asked that I don’t venture away from campus yet, but it was good to get some stuff done at church. Makes me feel like I might just survive this thing.

I cannot fathom the idea that Duke was knocked out of the big dance last night. Yes, I bleed Tarhel blue, but I thought the Dukies would make it to the final game. Hmmmmph!

If you are an Ebenezerite, I sure hope to see you this Sunday!

I am speaking into my iPad right now using dragon software trying to update my blog.

The doctor yesterday said that everything looked like it should so far. He did reorder therapy which I start today at 1 PM. Not much else to say about that. I have a recheck in three weeks. Then we might know more about my left elbow.

This has been a very impatient time for me and I know that that I am very impatient, but I believe God is at work and I pray that He will use this for something good!

I hope you’ll have a good day and didn’t mean to be so late in getting this update out!!!

The most frequent remark I hear from those who visit is “you don’t look as bad as I thought you would.” Thanks! (I think.)

Many have commented they thought I would be in two huge casts with posts holding my arms in the air. I’m not quite in that place … at least not today. I have a hard cast on my left arm and a pretty stout brace on the right. Neither is terribly comfortable. Both are helping me heal. But you cannot imagine the little things you cannot do because of them!

Does your face ever itch? Mine does. Especially while I was on pain medicine. But I cannot REACH my face. Ergo, I cannot brush my teeth. Wash my face. Shave. Hold a phone to my ear. Brush my hair. Feed myself. The list goes on and on, but I think you get my direction.

And, that is just ONE area of discussion … The bottom line is, there are little things you are able to do everyday that some cannot do. SOME have never been able and never will … Don’t take life for granted!!

Appreciate the little things! And have a great day!!!!

My doctor IS smarter than your average bear … He really challenged me to rest. Not to overdo it. To give my body a chance to heal. Sadly, yesterday and today I am learning the value of his words.

I had a recheck with my family doctor yesterday, Went well, and I talked Diana into dropping by the church office afterward. We probably stayed too long. Had an afternoon filled with visitors, which I loved. weave suppre and I went to my small group Bibke study last night. And then Drew and the EBC 18 & Unders played in their championship last night.

By the time we got home last night, my body was screaming at me. Still is this morning. i need rest. The doc is right!!!

In my role as a pastor, I see many dynamics that have changed in the modern family. Diana and I have been through it or are going through it as parents. But a major, critical message has been lost in modern times that will make all of the difference in the world to our kids. And, here it is:

Hey parents: Your children are learning their spiritual habits from you every day. And the level of dedication you give, or do not give, to the Lord is impacting them. Every day. You are either preparing them to live Proverbs 3:5-6 or not.

Cutting to the chase, its time to do a little less of everything else and make God your number ONE priority!! I mean … really … is He number one in your life? Be careful how you answer … Your children are depending on you!